Achieve Exemplary Results with TIG Welders in Perth
Among the various welding methods, none can produce results that are finer than those obtained by TIG welding. It is little wonder that TIG (or Tungsten Inert Gas) welding has been the mainstay of aerospace fabrication, construction and repair. More…
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7 Things you need to know before buying a TIG welder
Thinking of buying a TIG welder? Before you open your wallet, there are few important things you should know first.
With so many models on the market, buying a TIG welder can be overwhelming for a first time buyer. Before you start browsing, work out whether TIG welding is the best welding process for your job. While it isn’t the fastest option, TIG welding is the most precise and most controllable form of welding, making it a great choice if you require a high quality finish. However, if quality and appearance isn’t a priority, a MIG weld may be a better bet.
Still need a TIG welder? Here are some factors to consider before you buy:
1. Basic or Complex?
There’s a big difference between high-tech professional TIG welders and small hobby type machines. And we’re not just talking about the price! To work out which is best for your needs, decide first how much power is required. Don’t just look at the job at hand, but think about how you might use the machine in the future too. Will a basic machine cut it in a year’s time? Or do you need something more sophisticated?
2. AC or DC power?
The power source you need depends on the metals you’re welding. For aluminum and magnesium, your best option is an AC output, while steels and stainless steels require a DC output. And there are no prizes for guessing that welding a variety of metals will require a combination AC/DC machine (check out our range here).
TIG Welding Alumium? You’ll need an ACDC Inverter Machine
3. Combo or TIG only?
Today you can get combination machines that offer both Constant Voltage (MIG and flux cored) and Constant Current (Stick and TIG). However, if you really are focusing on TIG welding alone, stick to a TIG only machine for the best results.
4. Location, location, location
Think about where you’ll be using the welder and whether you’ll be moving it within or beyond your workshop. If it’s mostly for indoor use, you probably won’t require a portable machine as you can rely on a welding trolley to move the machine from place to place. However, if you’re working out and about, portability is crucial. The good news is there’s a wide range of inverter and engine-driven TIG welders to choose from. Inverter welders are generally lighter and more portable than their conventional counterparts, while engine-driven welders typically combine a generator and welder in one.
If you’re planning to weld in multiple locations the potability of a TIG welder will suit you.
5. How thick is thick?
How thick do you need the welder to weld? As a rule, allow 30 amps for every millimetre of aluminium thickness and 25 amps per millimetre of mild steel thickness.
6. Pay attention to the Duty Cycle
The Duty Cycle of your welding equipment tells you how long you can weld without worrying about overheating the power source. In the specs of the machine, it’s written as amperage level that can be maintained for a percentage of time in a 10-minute block. For example, the duty cycle might be 50% at 180 amps. As a rule, 40-60% is sufficient for most handheld TIG applications.
7. A word about warranties
Whatever and wherever you’re welding, don’t underestimate the value of a warranty and service support network. Trust us, it provides peace of mind. You get what you pay. At eWelders.com.au, All of our suppliers are backed by a nation-wide network of service agents and all of them have strong warranty conditions.
Know what you’re looking for now? Check out our range of DC TIG welders here. Or, for our ACDC TIG range, click here
Converting your backyard shed into a welding workshop
By Kym Morgan
21 May, 2014
MANY a welding successful workshop has been established in the Aussie backyard shed.
After all, the shed is often a man’s own private space and it can provide the ideal atmosphere for a day’s welding.
But there are a few dos and don’t when it comes to setting up your shed as a welding workspace so bare these things in mind before you start your project.
- Make sure your shed floor is flat and stable. This does not necessarily mean your need a cement or concrete floor, although this is ideal. Some of the best welding workshops are established on dirt shed floors but the surface must be as a flat and stable as possible. The environment must also be dry. Welding and water do not mix!
- Ensure that your shed has an adequate electricity supply. The average welding machine has a 240 volt output and many welding machines require a 15amp power supply. It’s worth baring this in mind when you set up your shed because the average Australian power point in only 10amps, so you may need to get an electrician to increase the power supply.
- Ensure you have adequate ventilation. If you are in a fully enclosed shed, you will need to invest in an a exhaust system but if you are in a shed environment where the doors can be kept open and there is good natural ventilation an exhaust fan will do the trick.
- Sparks often fly around when you weld so make absolutely sure your shed is cleared of any flammable materials. That means no paper, wood, books, and, obviously no petrol cans. Take a good look around your shed and identify any potential fire hazards. As a precaution you should always have a fire extinguisher on hand in your shed because you can never be too careful.
- Make sure you have good lighting. If you’re shed doesn’t have an overhead light you should consider investing in one. It is important to be able to see what you’re doing when your weld.
- If you are welding with gas, make sure your bottles are securely fastened to the shed wall. And, before you start welding, test your gas bottle gauges for leaks. Also test your hoses for cracks.
- Make sure that you store your welding machine in a clean and dry position in your shed. Dust and water could prematurely damage the machine. Also, keep the welder unplugged when not in use.
- Finally, invest in a steel welding table. This is a necessity for any welder’s working shed, since welding on a wooden surface is a massive fire hazard.
If you are in the market for a shed in which to set up your welding workshop, we recommend these guys - cheapsheds.com.au. Cheapsheds is Australia’s biggest selling online shed retailer and they have a massive range and offer first-rate customer service.
Good luck and happy welding
TIG Aluminium welding – a ‘how to’ guide
By Kym Morgan
29 Apr 2014
ALUMINIUM WELDING is to the welding industry what Luis Suarez is to the Liverpool Football Club.
It can be difficult to work with but it’s extremely important.
Aluminium is one of the most widely used metals in the modern world and any serious welder is probably going to need to master it at some point.
Don’t agree? Have a think about aluminium’s role in automotives and construction and for a start.
In automotives, aluminium is used in car, truck and bus engines block, transmission housing and body panels. In construction, it’s used in sheet products for roofing and wall cladding and in castings for builders.
Then there’s aluminium’s role in packaging, and the electrical sector. You get my drift!
So, rather than avoid aluminium welding it’s time to embrace it, master it and massively increase your welding skill set in the process.
This Blog is dedicated to the art of TIG Aluminium welding, which I believe is the best process for working with aluminium but in a subsequent blog I’ll cover off on MIG aluminium welding. I recommend steering clear of Stick aluminium welding. Getting precise enough welds for aluminium using the Stick/Arc process is a massive ask and I don’t recommend it.
Ok, so TIG aluminium welding. let’s get into it.
Prepare for your project
As with every welding process, preparation is key. Remember the old saying, if you’re given hours to chop down a tree, spend the first seven hours sharpening your axe.
Make sure you’ve got the tools you need
- A TIG welding machine
Given we’re talk about TIG aluminium welding this an obvious one. More specifically, you should consider investing in a TIG inverter welder with AC (alternating current) function if you’re seeking to achieve high quality aluminium welds. The reason AC welders are more effective on aluminium, and magnesium, is because of the properties of these metals.
Aluminium forms an oxide layer when exposed to air and this layer has a far higher melting temperature than the base metal itself – 1982C, compared to 648C.
If not removed properly, this oxide layer will inhibit proper weld fusion and affect its quality.
A TIG welder with an alternating current basically erases this oxide layer from the surface, so that the integrity of the weld is not compromised when the base metal melts. eWelders.com.au sells a big range of TIG welders with AC/DC function starting at $1199. A big investment, but extremely cheap compared to our competitors.
Way out of your price range? Don’t despair. It is possible to aluminium weld with a TIG inverter that only has DC function which start fromjust $249 in price here. The key will be cleaning away the oxide layer manually before you start your weld. We will cover off on this a little lower in this article.
- Aluminum filler rod.
The aluminium Filler Rod will bond your two pieces of aluminium together, as we will explain later. These can be purchased inexpensively at eWelders here.
- A canister of Argon Gas
You will use this as your shielding gas. Pure argon is an economic alternative. For added stability you can use argon with 3% helium.
- Safety equipment
Obviously you’ll need to protect yourself when carrying out aluminium welding. Click here for our article on welding safety and preparation but in the meantime make sure you cover off these basics.
- A pair of flame resisted insulated welding gloves
- An auto darkening welding helmet (Lens should be 9-13 uv rated)
- A professional leather welding jacket or a thick 100% cotton long sleeve shirt (failure to wear long sleeves can result in burns on your arms)
- A fire extinguisher
Prepare the aluminium
Ok, now that you’ve got the equipment you need its time to get ready to weld.
First of all, you should clean your aluminium. As I mentioned earlier, if you are using a TIG inverter which only has DC function, it is crucial that you do this in order to remove the oxide layer that will have formed on your aluminium. This layer has a far higher melting temperature than the base metal and, if not removed, will compromise your weld. To clean your aluminium sheet:
- Spray it with acetone.
- Rinse it in water, and and allow it to dry.
- Then scrub the aluminum with a a stainless steel brush.
Prepare your filler rod
To complete your cleaning preparation your should clean the filler rod you intend to use. a dirty filler rod can contaminate the weld so use an abrasive cleaning pad to clean the rod before you start.
Practice run
Before you start have a few practice runs. There’s no need to light the torch for this if you’re trying to save on metal.
The steps
- Hold the torch similar to how you would hold a pencil and tilt it back very slightly at about 10-15 degree angle.
- Hold the tip of the tungsten about 6mm from the metal. If you hold it much further than this the arc will spread too wide and the weld will become too difficult to control.
- Practice running the torch along where you plan to weld trying to keep that 6mm gap between the tungsten and the metal. Make sure to practice with your gloves on so you get a feel for how it be once your arc is lit
The filler rod
- Make sure to hold the filler rod at about 90 degrees to the torch tip. You will lead the the weld with the filler rod but you don’t want it to come into contact with the the torch tip because this will contaminate the weld
A few final bits of preparation!
Preheat the aluminium
Aluminium is much more cooperative if it has been preheated to about 175C. Failure to do this can lead to a weak, shallow weld. To preheat your aluminium weld you can set your oven to 175C and put it in there. Don’t worry about the sheet melting while it’s in the oven. Remember, aluminium has a melting temperature of 648C.
Alternatively, use a gas torch to heat the heat sink that the aluminium sheet is clamped to. This will distribute the heat throughout the aluminium.
Fit your aluminium sheets together as tightly as possible
TIG welders don’t like it when the metals are not fitted together nice and tightly prior to welding. It can result in a weak weld. Fill your sheets before you clamp them to avoid this.
Set your welder to the appropriate settings
- Aim to set your amperage to about 1amp per 25mm in thickness of your aluminium. This may seem low but that is the nature of aluminium welding.
- You can set the amperage slightly higher than your estimated need and then ease it back once under way.
Lets weld!
- Use the diametre of your nozzle to gauge the distance between the nozzle and your tungsten electrode. If you’re using a 6mm nozzle, your tungsten should extend no further than 6mm from your nozzle.
- Tap the electrode tip against the aluminium sheet and then pull it away about 3mm. At this point you can strike your arc.
- Melt the work piece until you have a nice sized puddle, the size of this puddle needs to be consistent as you move along your weld.
- As you move along the weld add just enough filler rod to fill the joint and create the the fusion. Continue this along the length of the weld.
- Remember, the heat will increase as you weld so gradually lower the amperage.
- Very slowly push the puddle created by the torch into the joint, adding filler as you go.
Congratulations, you’re done!
Don’t be disheartened if you’re first attempts at TIG aluminium welding is a raging success. You’re taking on a more advanced leve welding skill here and it will take a few attempts to master.
Don’t wing it when you weld – plan for success
By Kym Morgan
17 April 2014
SO, you’ve taken on a welding project? First of all, congratulations on making a brilliant decision.
Having the ability to weld not only introduces you to a highly satisfying, incredibly addictive, hobby it also opens up a whole new weld, i mean world, of possibilities.
Sorry, no more cringe worthy puns, i promise!
Look around you, chances are something within your immediate vicinity contains a weld. You’re car is full of spot welds. Look at the the hand railing nearby, the table across the hall, the metal shelving out in the garage…You get my point.
Welding is a key part of the manufacture of so many products which play an important part in our everyday lives. Welding also plays a part in all of the super-structures around us (like buildings and bridges) and the auto-motives we use every day.
By becoming proficient in welding and taking on your first project you are about to enter an art-form which will not only give you satisfaction and enjoyment, but help you to carry out DIY and renovation jobs, make new products, and save money.
With any welding product, a few golden rules apply and I wanted to share one of them with you today.
This rule applies whether you are undertaking a MIG, TIG or MMA welding process. It applies whether you’re carrying out a basic repair around the home or carrying our a major car restoration project.
Plan your welding job meticulously and ensure you have all the equipment you need to do the job right, and to do it safely.
Purchasing equipment for that first welding job can seem like a major expense. But remember, many of the purchases are one-offs, so these are investments in future welding projects, Ultimately by undertaking welding projects yourself you can save money, not to mention get a massive amount of enjoyment and satisfaction.
So, before you start your project, make a list of all of the equipment you will need to do the job right, and to do it safely.
The welding machine
Obviously the starting point is to buy the right welder for your project. If you haven’t already done this, you’ve come to the right website. At eWelders.com.au we have a massive range of more than 100 quality welding machines which you can view here. If you need technical support on this important decision, you can contact us.
I’m not going to go into too many specifics about which welder to chose in this blog, as this is another topic in itself. But, for those still to chose a welder, your starting point will be to ask yourself these three basic questions:
- What types of metals will you need to weld during this project and future projects?
- What is the thickness of the metals you wish to weld? * This will affect the level of power you should look for in a welder. And certain welding processes are more suited to certain metals and metal thickness
- What welding applications are you going to need your welding machine to perform?
Once you know the answer to these three basic questions, you’re well on your way to buying the right welder. Don’t be overwhelmed by the highly-technical nature of welding, and the amount of choice that is out there on the market. Start by asking yourself the above questions and doing a little research. eWelders frequently asked questions section has a handy guide to which welding process are suited to which metals. Click here to view this. For a beginner, it will definitely be worth purchasing a kit with your welder. These kits will come with things like welding guns, leads, torches and regulators, to save you having to buy them separately. Contact us if you need some technical support and always buy your welder through a reputable dealer such as eWedlers.com.au.
What comes next?
Once you have your welder and you’ve worked out your welding process, it is time to make a list of all the materials and consumables you are going to need to do the job right. This will obviously vary greatly from job to job. But you will need to check off the following points.
- What are your consumables needs?
Whether you’re using MIG wire, TIG filler rods, or MMA electrodes, ensure you think about the amount of consumable material you will use during your project and stock up accordingly. Also ensure you get the the right consumable for your project. Different MIG Wires are suited to welding different metals, for example. The good news is, all of eWelders’ consumables are clearly labelled and explained on our site, making it easy for you to select the right consumable. Click here to view our consumables.
- What safety equipment will you need?
Safety should be the upmost priority for any welder. Welders expose themselves to electric currents, potentially harmful gases, extreme heats, and debris. Therefore you need to protect yourself before you start your project.
- Gloves
It is imperative that you use a specialised set of welding gloves whenever you weld. As you will see when you visit eWelders’ gloves page here, they are not expensive but they do play a crucial role in the protection your hands, because welding gloves are made from leather and are flame resistant. Do not use ordinary gardening gloves, or cheap cotton gloves when you weld.
- Helmet
You are going to need to protect your eyes, and your whole face when you weld. Without a hemet you risk damaging your eyes due to exposure to the extremely bright ultraviolet light which occur during a weld. You also risk burns to your face from sparks that fly up off the metal as you weld. Again, a welding helmet can be purchased inexpensively at eWelderscom.au’s helmet’s page. For beginner welders, we recommend you buy an auto-darkening helmet. auto-darkening helmets automatically adjust the lens to darken and protect your eyes when you strike an arc. THe helmets adjust far quicker than you can blink your eyes. This not only protect you it give you the advantage of being able to see what you’re doing prior to striking your arc. eWelders only sells auto-darkening helmets.
- Jacket
Like your gloves, it is important to invest in a specialist welding jacket because welding jacket’s, unlike many general jackets, are non-flamable. Once again, eWelders.com.au has a good range of well-priced jackets for you to browse here.
- What about other equipment Other equipment?
Now that you have your safety equipment, and your welder, start to forward plan.
There is a good chance you will need something to cut your metals with during your welding project. eWelders stocks a comprehensive range of plasma and gas cutting machines which can be viewed here. If you do not wish to purchase a plasma cutter at this point, you could consider purchasing a metal cutting saw, although be prepared for sharp edges around your cuts, meaning you are also likely to need an angle grinder.
If you’re working with sheet metal it may also be a good idea to have a pair of metal snips handy, and a sheet metal brake, to help you snip and shape your metals.
- Metals
Once you have all of your safety equipment, your welding and cutting equipment, and your consumables sorted, it’s time to buy your metals. You can visit any hardware or sheet metal store to purchase your metals but do your homework. Work out how much of each material you need, allowing for off-cuts.
For beginners, it will be worth buying some practice cuts.
- Plan thoroughly
There are a whole host of other equipment you may need to consider before you start your project, which is why it is important to have a plan.
At your home workshop, for example, you may needs a work bench, and a trolley. You are also likely to need tools like clamps, and chipping hammers, and you may need to purchase cables, leads and adapters. eWelders is a comprehensive welding supplier and stocks all of this equipment.
Remember, by purchasing all of the equipment you need before you start your project, you are setting yourself up for success. You are also less likely to have to down tools when you realise you are missing something you require. THat is a massive momentum killer! Most importantly, you’re setting yourself up to weld safely, and to enjoy your project.
Good luck, and keep reading our blog for more useful welding tips.
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